The Special Projects Manager will coordinate PLMSP’s response to urgent and complex DFAT Tasking Notes and special projects, applying international development project management skills to turn emerging requests into clear project plans, budgets, risk approaches and high-quality deliverables. Working with DFAT, senior program leaders, PLMSP teams, Pacific stakeholders and technical specialists, you will manage short-cycle international development projects from definition through delivery and reporting.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor-Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program’s (PLMSP) role is to provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in 9 PICs and Timor-Leste with support to enable workers to access the PALM scheme in inclusive ways that maximise the benefits for workers and national economies while minimising risks from labour mobility participation. Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT.
In your first 90 days, you have built an understanding of PLMSP, DFAT expectations, active projects and key risks. You have established trusted relationships, taken ownership of project tracking and begun managing short-cycle deliverables with sound judgement, clear communication and timely escalation.
Within 6 months, you have built strong relationships across the program and understand stakeholder priorities, sensitivities and preferred engagement approaches. You are independently coordinating Tasking Notes and special projects, producing or overseeing high-quality briefings and reports, and providing clear updates to DFAT and PLMSP leaders.
By the end of your first 12 months, you have improved the consistency, visibility and quality of special project delivery and helped PLMSP respond more efficiently to emerging priorities through stronger processes, evidence and practical use of data, AI or technology.
Please refer to the Terms of Reference to learn more about the role: Special Projects Manager ToR
This role will suit an experienced international development project manager who is comfortable working at pace, coordinating short and varied projects across countries and time zones, travelling locally and internationally as required, and producing clear written outputs when information is incomplete.
The role may be challenging because priorities can change quickly and requests may begin without a settled scope, timeframe or complete information. You will need to clarify assumptions, negotiate realistic expectations, maintain strong relationships and protect quality and governance under pressure.
Support available will include regular direction and prioritisation support from the Special Projects Senior Manager, including regular one-to-one check-ins; access to PLMSP leads, technical specialists and established templates and guidance; and a clear forum to test judgement and escalate sensitive or high-risk matters.
Please apply if you can show evidence of:
At Palladium, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive workplace where your contribution matters. We offer opportunities for professional growth through diverse projects, mentoring and development pathways, alongside flexible ways of working that support wellbeing and work-life integration. Employees benefit from a values-driven culture that promotes diversity, inclusion, integrity and recognition, while working alongside talented colleagues committed to creating meaningful impact. On PLMSP, this means living our PROUD values of Positivity, Respect, Openness, Unwavering Integrity and Diversity and Inclusion, and being part of a program with real regional impact across Australia, the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Please apply online through the Palladium careers website with:
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short work sample, scenario, technical exercise or structured interview. We will explain the process and available adjustments before each stage.
We are committed to building a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce that strengthens the support we provide.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and people with disabilities - disclosure will not affect your application, and we will work with you to provide appropriate adjustments.
To be considered for this position, you must have valid work rights in the country where the role is based. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Please note: While this role does not involve direct work with children, the successful candidate will still be required to complete a police check and relevant due diligence checks as part of Palladium’s commitment to being a child-safe organisation.
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Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply promptly, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing date: Sunday 04 October at 11:59 PM AEST
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact. We work with governments, communities and the private sector to address complex challenges and create enduring social and economic value.
Palladium is contracted by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to deliver the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP), supporting Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste to participate in the PALM scheme in inclusive, safe and sustainable ways.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.
Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.
Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as all the actions taken by Palladium to protect our people, communities where we work and our clients from harm, including Sexual Exploitation, Abuse or Sexual Harassment; Child Abuse in any form; Trafficking for sexual exploitation of adults or children and any form of Trafficking of children. We have zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse as well as sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and zero-tolerance for inaction to prevent, protect against, respond to and report harm. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process. Our Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding and Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Guidelines have additional details.
Climate change. Conflict. Inequality. Palladium works with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Our clients trust us to design and implement complex, large-scale programs in any environment, creating lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Founded in 1965 and operating in 100 countries, Palladium is on a mission to be the most impactful business on the planet. www.thepalladiumgroup.com
